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Monday, June 30, 2014

Reality just got a bit too real for this queen of an empire. Blake is living a life that most women could only dream about. She's beautiful, brilliant, fierce, and doesn't know how to quit. She's built an empire, made millions, and fought her demons. When she's invited to host "The Takeover," a new reality show, she's quick to take on the challenge. The show is an instant success...and Blake's life becomes an instant mess. Blake's new celebrity status comes with a catch: notoriety. That notoriety uncovers secrets that Blake would have rather kept buried. The worst is her ex-husband Lang, a jealous, obsessed man intent on destroying everything Blake has built. Blake's success and money become her weaknesses, leaving her with very few people to trust. This only gets worse living in the public eye. Lang uses Blake's celebrity and feelings of isolation against her as he enlists the help of people from Blake's past to ruin her. Unfortunately for Lang, Blake didn't get where she is by backing down from a fight. When Brett, Blake's ex-flame appears, she finds herself hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. Their complicated history soon has her life spinning out of control. As Blake struggles with the chaos, and the feeling that she can't trust anyone, she starts to wonder if the life she has is even worth the fight. When Lang's schemes escalate, Blake finds herself on the edge of losing everything... Sizzling with celebrity fantasy, This Life goes inside an action-packed world of wealth and power, secrets and deceptions, revenge and betrayal-where staying on top could mean paying the ultimate price.

Review

This book was unlike anything I have read before. I do not normally pick up a book where the main character is a celebrity as I just have not seen the draw in it. This book, however, promised enough intrigue that I could not help but become enticed. I enjoyed the book overall. I read it in one sitting- so it kept my attention very well.

I loved the relationships between Blake and the supporting characters. The romance was minimal, but the friendships made up for it- as they should. A large part of the book is Blake interacting with her bodyguards- who were hired to protect her. She is a mega- celebrity and has luncheon's with Oprah. (Okay, it wasn't a luncheon. I think Oprah attended one of her parties.) But still, you get the picture. She is a very successful businesswoman whose ex- husband is bitter and violent about their divorce, so she needs protection from him as well. She has a lot of drama to deal with in this book. A. lot. Of. drama. Did I mention drama? Whew, the life of a celebrity. Never a dull moment.

I also thought the aspect of her hosting a television show that helped young entrepreneurs to be sort of brilliant. I have definitely never read that before- Very creative.

As a villain, I would say the husband was very hell bent on ruining everything Blake had built for himself. He definitely deserved a well placed kick in the nads for some of the stuff he put her through. He could have been worse, though.

Blake was a powerful and cut throat business- woman, but a bit of a push- over when it came to men. I found that personality trait sort of interesting. She was definitely empathetic to others and I liked her as a character overall. She did grow a bit when it came to letting others walk over her in her personal life, which was awesome. Characters should always grow and improve. *thumbs up*

I just didn't like Brett at all and I couldn't see the draw in him beyond the initial meeting. Meh.

The romance was interesting. I can't say much about it, since it was sort of minimal, but it was very original as well.

Overall, the book was new and creative with interesting relationships and a savvy and classy main character. There was plenty of friendships, financial drama, a bit of romance, and a glimpse into the life of the rich and famous. It was intriguing having celebrities I was familiar with mentioned in passing. A Very interesting book.

Fiery French chef Élise Philippe is having a seriously bad day. Not only have the grand opening plans for her beloved café fallen apart, but Sean O'Neil is back in town and looking more delectable than ever. Memories of the electrifying night they shared last summer leave Élise very tempted, but she knows all too well that eventually Sean will be leaving…again.

Being back in Vermont—even temporarily—is surgeon Sean O'Neil's worst nightmare. Returning home to the Snow Crystal Resort means confronting the guilt he feels about rejecting his family's lifestyle years ago. But discovering that Élise is still in Vermont and still sets his blood racing is a very welcome distraction! Remembering last summer and how good they were together is going to make walking away more difficult than he could imagine….

Review

This book was so cute! I loved Elise and her fiery personality. She loved fiercely and I admired that so much about her character. She was so free with her affection and I loved the way she was practically adopted into the O’Neil home. She was more of a part of it than Sean was which made the story interesting. Instead of the guy trying to get the family to accept the new girl, Elise had to get Sean to accept his family for who they were- even his grumpy old grandpa. She was also very honest with herself about what she was feeling with the family, but Sean posed a bit of a problem to her.

The romance was hot! >o< Sean and Elise had some major chemistry. For two people who did not need a relationship outside of their hot sex, those two were so drawn to each other. Aside from the chemistry, the actual progression of their relationship was believable and sweet.

I loved the story between Sean and his family. They are really a large part of the book and help keep it entertaining. The grandpa was quite entertaining. ;)

Suddenly Last Summer was a very sweet and sexy romance with underlying tensions that add depth to the story. I would recommend to lovers of adult romance with feisty characters, good food, and hot sex. ;)

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Music
major Maddie Taylor seems to have her life all figured out. She’s just
finished her junior year of college, has a summer internship lined up
with the LA Philharmonic, and plans to go to grad school to write movie
scores. Only her roommates know she practices guitar every night and
secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don't get to
be rock stars.

Tattooed
singer Jared Cross has a new girl every week, but when he catches
Maddie playing one of his songs, she attracts his attention in an
unexpected way. His band needs a fourth member for The Sound, a reality
TV show competition—and he wants her. Though Maddie refuses to be
another notch on Jared’s bedpost, she agrees to risk everything for the
chance to be a rock star.

Once
on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared behind his flirty
smile, and with each performance their attraction becomes impossible to
ignore. When the show pressures Jared to flaunt his player image,
they’re forced to keep their relationship secret, but Maddie can’t help
but want something real.

As
the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band
to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing
her heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth
Briggs is a full-time geek who writes books for teens and
adults. She plays the guitar, mentors at-risk teens, and volunteers
with a dog rescue group. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a
pack of small, fluffy dogs.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Contact by Laurisa White Reyes
Mira wants to die. She’s attempted suicide twice already and failed. Every time she comes in contact with another person, skin to skin, that person’s psyche uploads into hers. While her psychologist considers this a gift, for Mira it’s a curse from which she cannot escape.
To make matters worse, Mira’s father is being investigated for the deaths of several volunteer test subjects of the miracle drug Gaudium. Shortly after Mira’s mother starts asking questions, she ends up in a coma. Although her father claims it was an accident, thanks to her “condition” Mira knows the truth, but proving it just might get her killed.

PRAISE FOR BOOK:
"CONTACT is a page turner that will keep you guessing right along with Mira, right up until the last revelation. And it will make you reconsider the next time you wish you knew someone else’s secrets!" - Margaret Petereson Haddix, author of the Missing and The Shadow Children seriesAUTHOR LAURISA WHITE REYES:
Laurisa White Reyes is the Editor-in-chief of Middle Shelf Magazine and the author of two middle grade fantasy novels: The Rock of Ivanore and The Last Enchanter. She is also the mother of five kids, a graduate student, a fan of Broadway musicals, and a lover of all things chocolate.

Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/20/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Amazon | GoodreadsAmanda Archer is on
the fast track to success. At twenty-five she has just about everything she?s
ever wanted. She has complete control of her life?until she meets Marco.

Marco De Lucia is a very influential man.
Handsome, rich, and very powerful. Marco has a secret that few know about and
live to tell it. He?s a wolf.

From the moment Marco steps into Amanda?s life
everything spins out of her control. Marco tells her about fate, destiny and
her obligations. She was born to be his...

Marco has waited three hundred years to finally
find Amanda and fulfill their destiny. He knows who she is...he just has to
convince her of that.

There are others that aren?t too excited that
Marco?s found his mate. Others that will stop at nothing to make sure the
prophecy isn?t fulfilled...

?

Amanda stood outside Mr. De Lucia?s closed door, trying to put her thoughts together. ?Entri Benvenuto, Amanda, si prega di avere un posto a sedere.? Amanda felt a moment of panic. ?Huh?? she managed to squeak. ?Uh, I mean pardon me?? She heard him chuckle softly through the closed door, and the sound reminded her of the man in her dream. The memory sent goosebumps up her arm. ?I said ?Come in. Welcome, Amanda, please have a seat.?? Maybe it wasn?t a dream, she thought. That voice is the same. But that?s impossible...or is it? What do I do now? ?What do you do? You do as you?re instructed, tesoro. Entri now, per favore...please.? Did he just hear my thoughts? ?I am not accustomed to repeating myself, tesoro.? ?Yes, sir,? she said as she twisted the knob and pushed the door open. ?I?m sorry. I haven?t been myself today. It?s been a weird two days actually. I?? Her train of thought fled as her gaze now rested on the elusive Mr. De Lucia. The eyes, they are the same eyes in my dream, but how? Forget the eyes, and don?t be stupid, Amanda. You need to look at the total picture. Stacey wasn?t exaggerating, she thought. The man?s gorgeous. He smiled as if he heard her thoughts, flashing perfectly straight white teeth, and she felt her heart flutter. His features were classic Italian?firm jaw, straight nose, well defined lips, black wavy hair framed his face, and he sported a slight five o?clock shadow. As he stood, he held out his hand to her. The man was tall, well over six feet as Stacey had said. The dark grey Armani suit fit well and accentuated his muscles. Her gaze caught a glint of gold from his left hand pinkie finger. The ring was a snarling wolf with rubies for eyes. ?Do I measure up?? Startled, she only half heard what he said. ?I?m sorry, what?? Her gaze met his. ?You are staring. Do I measure up, tesoro?? She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. ?I?m sorry, that was rude of me,? she said as she reached for his outstretched hand. ?I?m not normally this flustered?it?s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. De Lucia.? ?Marco,? he said as his hand enveloped her smaller one. His touch sent sensations up her arm, causing her eyes to widen. ?Think nothing of it. It is nice to be regarded so well by a bella donna. Please, be seated.? He let go of her hand and leaned on the edge of his desk while she sat in the chair. He crossed his arms over his chest and regarded her. ?I trust you?re feeling better?? ?Feeling better?? ?You missed work yesterday.? ?Oh, that.? She looked away. ?I wasn?t sick?I can?t really explain it.? ?Do you make a habit of missing work?? She looked back to him sharply, emitting a low growl. ?Certainly not!? He laughed softly. ?Good, good!? he said as he clapped his hands together once. ?You do have some spirit after all. You?re not the timid mouse you just portrayed yourself to be.? Amanda blinked in shock. ?But?but I just growled at you. I?m sorry, I?I don?t know what came over me.? Marco pushed away from the desk, then took her hands in his. ?Do not apologize for being yourself il mio amore. You hide your passion, deep within yourself, but I can see it there, the alfa lupo, begging to surface. I can sense her calling to mine. Do not be afraid to be yourself around me. Eravamo fatti per stare insieme, il mio amore.? ?I don?t speak Italian, Marco, so I don?t understand. What is an alfa lu???
He squeezed her hands, then let go and leaned back against the desk. ?Alfa lupo is alpha wolf.? Alpha wolf, what in the hell is that supposed to mean? And what does he mean, mine calls to his? He smiled again as if he heard her thoughts. Did he just read my thoughts? The smile broadened. She narrowed her eyes and slammed her hand down on the arm of the chair. ?Tell me what that last sentence you just said means.? ?Eravamo fatti per stare insieme, il mio amore?? She nodded. ?It translates to ?we were meant to be together, my love.?? She stood, then started backing toward the door. ?And tesoro?? ?Sweetheart.? Amanda?s back slammed against the door as her fingers fumbled for the doorknob. ?This, this is sexual harassment. There are laws against this kind of behavior in a workplace.? ?Human laws do not concern me, tesoro.? He took a step toward her and she plastered herself further against the door. ?And they shouldn?t concern you either, il mio amore.? ?You talk like you?re not human.? When he nodded her eyes bugged. ?You?re implying that you?re not human?? ?No, we are not.? ?We?? She swallowed hard. ?You and I?.? She shook her head frantically. ?I am not a human.? He reached up and ran his knuckles gently across her cheek. ?Neither are you, il mio amore.? ?If you?re not human, then what are you?? Her voice was barely a whisper. ?We are lupo, wolf.? Amanda felt light headed and swayed on her feet. Marco pulled her into his arms and rubbed his cheek against hers. ?Tu sei la mia anima gemella, Amanda. Ho aspettato 300 anni per la vostra nascita.? He sighed. ?Scusi. In English. You are my soul mate, and I have waited three hundred years for your birth.? Amanda pushed away, then sat back down hard in the chair. ?You are crazy. I am not a wolf and neither are you. Werewolves are myths, stories told to frighten children and the weak minded.? Marco flashed her a another smile. ?Stories like this?? His soft brown eyes changed shape, turning golden and emanating a soft glow. Her own eyes saucered as she cringed in the chair. ?This isn?t possible.? The smile left his face as he leaned forward and gripped her shoulders, his eyes now normal. ?Never cower away from me.? His tone was forceful and commanding, then softened. ?I will not hurt you, and I never meant to frighten you. You just needed a little convincing. Most all myths are based on truths, and this one is very true. We are lupo, il mio amore.? She took a quivering breath. ?I am not a wolf and you?I don?t know what you?? ?Liar!? he yelled as his grip tightened on her shoulders. She grit her teeth, emitting a low growl. ?I. Do. Not. Lie!? Marco yanked her out of the chair, then turned her to face the mirror, forcing her to look at herself. ?Look at your reflection, Amanda. See what I see when you are angry.? Amanda?s mouth dropped open as she gazed at her reflection. ?You see, il mio amore? Look at your eyes.? She reached up and touched her face and then the mirror, her anger turning to disbelief as tears pooled on her bottom lashes. Her eyes glowed like his. ?In the beginning, anger will be your trigger for the change. Your hormones will be raging and you will anger very easily. This will pass, and you will learn to control it.? ?I?I don?t understand what?s happening to me.? Her voice broke. ?This?this is not normal.? Her gaze met his in the reflection. ?Last night I was eating raw meat and hearing
things I couldn?t possibly be hearing. This morning I nearly attacked a co-worker over something stupid, and now this.? The tears spilled from her lashes to course down her face, then her bottom lip quivered. ?You?re obviously behind all this. What have you done to me? I?m a freak.? Marco gently turned her to face him, cupping her face in the palms of his hands, gazing intently into her eyes. ?What have I done to you?? She swallowed hard, then nodded. ?I have done nothing but awaken your inner wolf. She has always been there just below the surface?impatiently waiting.? ?She?? He nodded. ?What is ?she? waiting for?? The corners of his mouth turned up in a slight smile as he answered. ?She was waiting to be claimed by me.? Amanda caught her breath. ?Was?? ?We are a proud and superior race, Amanda.? His thumb slid across her cheek, brushing away a tear. ?Be proud of who you are. You are not a freak, you are my miracle, il mio compagno.? ?You didn?t answer my question.? ?You are mine, Amanda. You bear my mark.? He moved her open collar aside and brushed the marks on her shoulder with his fingertips. Her brow furrowed as she strained to see. She pushed away from him and turned to the mirror, baring her shoulder fully, and glared at the marks in the mirror. ?No other would dare touch you.? Amanda lifted her hands and wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks. Her eyes narrowed as she scowled at him in the mirror?s reflection, her jaw set, her upper lip curled back in a snarl. He threw his head back and laughed. ?Tu sei magnifico, il mio amore. Tale fuoco e bellezza.? (You are magnificient, my love. Such fire and beauty.) She balled her fists and whirled around to face him. ?I?ll show you a firey beauty!? He stopped laughing and regarded her statement, a slight smirk still remaining. ?So, you understood what I said?? ?S?,? she seethed as she reared back her fist and punched him in the nose. Marco?s eyes widened in surprise as he brought his hand up to cover his nose. ?Arrogante bastardo!? she spat as she brought her fist up again to strike. His open palm caught her fist, and he wrenched her hand behind her back, bringing her chest up to his. Her chest heaved against his body as she struggled to free herself. ?Let me go, Marco, or I swear to God I will hurt you. I can see for myself that you bleed as any other man.? Even as she spoke the words the blood faded. He brought his other hand up and brushed the hair from her eyes. ?You cannot hurt me, my little alfa lupo. We are mates. It is in our genes that a mate cannot hurt the other.? Her mouth dropped open. He smiled. ?You see, between mates the sex can get a little...rough.? He shrugged. ?Our genetics protect us from unintentional harm from the other.? ?How about intentional harm?? she growled as her knee connected with his groin. He let go of her hand, but didn?t double over as she had expected. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and drew her body fully to his. She brought her hands up to push against his chest. ?That hurt,? he said, his lips a hair?s-breadth from hers. She grinned. ?Good. I meant for it to hurt. Now let me go.? Marco quirked an eyebrow, then brought a hand down to cup her ass and brought her hips firmly against his erection. ?No.? The smile dropped from Amanda?s face as her brow furrowed in disbelief. ?That?s impossible. I just kneed you there. There is no way??
His lips covered hers, taking her by surprise and halting her protest in mid-sentence. Amanda?s body betrayed her turbulent thoughts by clutching him to her, relaxing further in his arms as his tongue slipped past her parted lips to dance frantically with hers. The kiss was electrifying, setting her body on fire as she kissed him back. A yearning settled deep in her core. A low moan escaped the back of her throat when Marco deepened the kiss and pushed her back up against the wall, wedging his leg between hers. He lifted her leg, draping it around his hip, and rocked into her. She tore her mouth from his and stared into his eyes as she lifted her other leg and locked them both around his hips. She breathed in deeply and felt her canine teeth elongate as his scent overwhelmed her. Placing her nose in the crook of his neck, she inhaled again. ?You smell like ambrosia.? Her voice sounded foreign to her ears. ?You smell the same to me.? She nodded as his lips grazed her neck. ?It is the way between mates.? Tilting her head, she allowed him better access. ?Soon you will sense me even though you cannot see me.? ?Intoxicating?I feel so strange?I want to taste?.? Amanda closed her eyes and ran her tongue from his collarbone to nip his neck just below his earlobe. ?Mmmmm.? He tasted as good as he smelled. The urge to bite was almost overwhelming as she felt his cock swell more, and he rocked into her again. ?Keep that up, il mio amore, and you won?t be leaving my office anytime soon.? Her eyes flew open and locked with his. ?I would love nothing better than to tear the clothes from your luscious body and pleasure us both until we are both sated...but?? Amanda dropped her legs and looked away. ?Oh, God. What am I doing?? She pushed away from him and took a step toward the door, making an effort to hurriedly tuck in her blouse. ?I?ve got to go?this can?t happen again.? Marco gripped her shoulders from behind, stopping her in her tracks, and nipped at her neck. She closed her eyes and shivered. ?This will happen again, il mio amore. Count on it. You are mine. Next time?? ?Marco, there can?t be a next time.? ?Next time I will lay you over my desk and feast upon that luscious body of yours.? She shivered again. ?And I will not stop until you?ve screamed my name at least a dozen times and we?ve both had our fill.?

As an Author, I love romance.
Paranormal Romance happens to be a favorite of mine. I have always been an avid
reader and a few years ago I discovered a passion for writing as well. I live
in the Panhandle of Florida, and I have been happily married to a wonderful man
for the last twenty-seven years. I have two grown children and 1 grandchild.
When I am not writing and running my own publishing company I can be found
camping with my husband or attending a NASCAR race. Please visit my websites. I
am always adding something new.

Thank you for stopping in to see this gorgeous cover from author Sherry D. Ficklin. Queen of Someday is the first book in the Stolen Empire Series to be released from Clean Teen Publishing in late 2014. To learn more about the book's upcoming release or about the author, visit Sherry's website, Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads page. Without further ado, here is the cover! Keep scrolling after the cover for the synopsis.

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Feel free to spread the word about this new novel by 'stealing' the Facebook Banner or 'sharing' this post to your Facebook, Twitter, Google +, or any other platforms. If you would like to 'host this post' on your own site to spread the word, an HTML of this post can be found HERE. [If you post this HTML to your blog during the time the blitz runs, be sure to claim an entry for the promotion by filling out this form. If you use the HTML after the 28th, be sure to delete the rafflecopter section, as the giveaway will be expired by then. You are still eligible to enter the host giveaway by posting the edited HTML (no rafflecopter) on your site between now and the end of the host giveaway on July 1st, however. I hope you enjoy reading about Chaperoning Paris and be sure to enter the tour- wide Rafflecopter giveaway for an Amazon Gift Card at the end of this post.

Gigi Dumont never forgot how she walked away from the only man she ever love.

She’s a teacher who has led her students to the finals of an international French competition to be help in Paris. The night before the trip, the Principal tries to cancel the trip before he, in turn, loses his job to her high school boyfriend, Sean Collins.

Sean Collins has survived cancer, a divorce , and Gigi having aborted their child back in high school. He assumed he’d hate her, if they ever crossed paths again. But he discovers she’s exactly what he wants.

When Gigi and Sean are stuck together for a week in Paris, Gigi feels she has lost all her control. How can she survive her attraction to Sean? The man’s sexier now than he was back in the day, and once upon a time, he’d had her heart. She finds herself falling for him, even knowing forever is impossible.

Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.

During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.

Besides her full time job of teaching, in 2013 and 2014, she sold on her own sold books to three different publishers. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.

Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency and she hopes to continue selling her novels that she writes. Moving up to the next level from hard work and determination is rewarding, and partnerships bring new opportunities.

Also she’s the Vice President of Programs for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. She learns and meets so many people at conferences. Her website is www.victoriapinder.com, and she’ll continue to grow my web presence. She is working hard on other projects and found the time to plan her wedding this year.

Before writing, her father had taken her to many star trek conventions and on her own she grew up as the only girl in the 90s at the comic book store. Science Fiction was her first love, but contemporary romance was her second. She’s sticking with contemporaries for the near future.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

In many ways, The Spell of Summer is
a story about second chances: second chance at love, second chance at living,
second chance at getting things right – at throwing off all the things that
hold you back. It's about plunging into the deep without knowing if you'll
survive, because, for once, the promise of what you want outweighs the safety
of keeping everything as it is

And it's not just the main two characters
that explore this theme throughout the book, but every single one of them in
their own way. The secondary characters are just as important as the main ones
and we get their points of view too, making this a rounded read for the summer.

Words can change everything, but can they
change your destiny?

Meredith is leading a straight-laced life in London with her straight-laced
fiancé, determined to forget her reckless, wild-child past. They're about to
get married.

Jamie is an old, poetic soul with a broken heart returning home to Cornwall to get his life
back in order.

I just finished The Spell of Summer and I am crying happy
tears. I’m also crying sad tears for the hardships everyone in the book went
through. It was a travesty to learn what happened to them, but it was joyous to
learn how they overcame it. It was a magical adventure. Everything happens for
a reason and what is that reason was destined from the beginning. What if words
that you didn’t know the meaning to ended up being the most important words you
have ever spoken. Merri finds that out in more!

I’m going to try and give a lot away with my review, so it’s
going to be short and sweet. I don’t want to give y’all any hints. (because I’m
evil muhahaha).

The Spell of Summer
took me by storm. I was expecting a romance story with a little magic and what
I got was a journey to where all the magic began and how the decision you make
determine your future. I have no idea if that made sense, but I’m going with
it. Don’t live your life by what you think you should do, live it by what you
want to do. No one has any control over your life but yourself and this is just
another wonderful thing you take after from The Spell of Summer. Oh and just
one more though. The ending was perfect and I wouldn’t have ended it any other
way. I’m going to be biting my nails for the next one!

Merri: Bless her heart. LoL She thought she knew what she
wanted, but she had no idea. I found her to be courageous and strong. I love
her spirit and how she always seems to pick herself up when she is down. She
had lied to herself for years and all it takes is the change of wind for her to
wake up.

Jamie: What a romantic. He is so open about his life and
love. He is dreamy and understanding and just what Merri needed, that sound
like she needed a sip of him like a drink…..and moving on. ;) How can you
resist a guy that is smoking hot and shows you that he cares…that’s right you
don’t :D

Overall: The Spell of
Summer is Magically Delicious! I think it had some kind of spell over me
because I couldn’t put it down. I don’t care who you are, what genre you like,
The Spell of Summer is for you. If you don’t like then read it again because
you obviously didn’t read it. LOL

Quotes:

We must be careful
with our words – we’re like superheroes and words are like our super powers.
Super powers should always be used to help others…

“I love the sea. It’s
full of secrets just waiting to be discovered,” his gaze met hers, “kinda like
you.”

“I get that events
can colour a person, but they can’t change who you are deep down – they can’t
change your soul.”

“Don’t be sorry for
the truth. A harsh truth is less damaging than a tender lie, and the worst lies
are the ones we tell ourselves.”

5 Stars

Author Bio:

Dianna Hardy
is the international bestselling author of The Witching
Pen series, and the Eye Of The Storm series.
She writes paranormal / urban fantasy and contemporary fiction that's twisted
in plot, big on the romance, high on the erotic, with a dusting of humour. She
currently lives in Surrey (United
Kingdom) with her partner and their
daughter, where she writes full-time.

Win yourself a signed
paperback copy and a signed promo card! All you have to do is answer this question: Do you believe in magic or second chances? or you can say something about the book. :D As long as you leave a comment and please share this post if you can. International giveaway – ends in
two weeks! OH and don't forget your email so I can contact you.

Four decades ago Nora died. A tragic event for someone so young; however, four decades ago Nora was also given a second chance to walk among the living.
A Death Warden with a mysterious past, her job is to escort the newly expired towards the light, battling with the Soul Hunters who want the freshly dead to help with their own evil purposes buried in the dark.

When Nora’s charges suddenly become targets, she realizes that the hunters are after far more than just souls. A shift in power between good and evil threatens to change everything, risking the lives of the only family Nora has ever known.

Devastated and angry, she’s forced to face the man she once loved - a man who chose darkness over her - in order to find the answers she needs to stop the horror from escalating. Yet, while a lost relationship still haunts her broken heart, a new Warden with secrets of his own will enter the mix and quickly alter everything Nora believed to be true.

Death is unavoidable…but sometimes, so is love.

Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of the bestselling The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, The Water Crisis Chronicles, and the upcoming Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie. Find out more at www.ambergarr.com.

May 8th. (:

Tiffany and Ryan

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